I’m Jennifer,

Welcome to The Mother Mentor.

My Story

I never intended to write a book. Having babies made me do it. Honestly. The only things I ever published were medical articles and findings of my scientific research (I have a PhD in Medicine – you are welcome to devour my work at the bottom of this page). But after having my three babies, within three-and-a-half years, and finding out first-hand that there are so many things that happen to women during labour, childbirth and the first few weeks of motherhood that nobody talks about, I clawed my way out of my postnatal breakdown and went on a mission to inform the yet-to-be mums of the world about what really happens. And I mean what really happens.

The scientist in me was not content with just my experiences and cried out for data. So, I also interviewed almost one thousand mothers from around the world about their experiences of having a baby and becoming a mum. And I Wish Someone Had Told Me… was born.

I wrote this book as a mother for mothers. To help inform and empower mums and mums-to-be. I want you to feel ok with whatever is happening, or has happened, to you. And most of all I want you to feel like you are not alone. Because you are not.

I write postnatal instead of postpartum and mum instead of mom because I’m Australian (pure-bred German but I have lived in Australia for 75% of my life). It is also the reason for my dry humour (humor).

I love science

I gained my PhD in Medicine (Neuropharmacology) from the University of Sydney. I looked at opioid (morphine-like drugs) withdrawal in the midbrain, which was fascinating and very rewarding work. I have also worked as a medical writer for many years, usually typing late at night or with one hand, while the other one is wiping poo, making dinner or breaking up arguments.